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Nancy Pelosi

“We would lose all moral authority to discuss human rights any place in the world if we shrink from challenging China on its treatment of the people of China and of Tibet” – Nancy Pelosi, Minority Leader of the United States House of Representatives

Hugo Swire

“We raised his case with Chinese authorities on a number of occasions, including during the UK-China Human Rights Dialogue in April this year” – Hugo Swire, UK Foreign Office minister responsible for Asia

“The EU had consistently called for his release or adequate medical treatment. We expect the Chinese authorities to investigate and make public the circumstances surrounding his death” – a European Union statement

John Kirby

“We are saddened to learn that Tenzin Delek Rinpoche, a Tibetan lama who has been a political prisoner since 2002, has died in prison. We express our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and supporters”- John Kirby, a US State Department spokesperson

Congressman McGovern

“The talks between China and Tibet ceased in 2010; it is 2015, and I don’t think there have been any consequences to the Chinese government for walking away from the talks” – Congressman McGovern, a member of the United States House of Representatives

Fabian Hamilton

“China has disregarded the concerns of the international community over Tenzin Delek Rinpoche, flouted universally-accepted norms on legal processes during his case and refused medical parole despite his serious illness. Now China has his blood on its hands” – Mr Fabian Hamilton, a member of the UK Parliament and Chair of All Party Parliamentary Group

Andrew Bennett

“I was deeply saddened to hear of the death of Tenzin Delek Rinpoche, the Tibetan monk who died Sunday in Chuandong prison in Chengdu. I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family and community.” – Andrew Bennett, Canada’s Ambassador for Religious Freedom, he added “Tenzin Delek Rinpoche was widely regarded for his spiritual leadership and his tireless work in providing religious, health and social services to Tibetan nomads.”

Christoph Strässer

“I was deeply saddened to hear of the death of the Tibetan monk and civil rights activist Tenzin Delek Rinpoche” – Christoph Strässer, the Federal Government Commissioner for Human Rights Policy and Humanitarian Aid, he added “I urge China to ensure that all prisoners receive medical care… the death of Tenzin Delek Rinpoche is another indication that the Chinese authorities are prepared to risk the deaths of imprisoned activists by denying adequate medical care. We are deeply concerned about this development, which violates key humanitarian principles.”

Richard Gere

“The death of Tenzin Delek Rinpoche is a tragic reminder of the injustices endured by Tibetans for exercising their right to religious freedom, and of the grim state of human rights in Tibet” – Richard Gere, Hollywood star and a long-time champion of human rights in Tibet, he added “This was one of the good men of the community. He had tens of thousands of students, Tibetan and Chinese, and I think basically that was the problem”

“[we are] deeply shocked and saddened by the unexpected death of Tenzin Delek Rinpoche…The arrest and sentencing of Tenzin Delek Rinpoche and his disciple Lobsang Dhondup demonstrates the Chinese government’s blatant disregard of fundamental human rights for Tibetans and is in violation of both international law and domestic Chinese laws” – the Tibetan Centre for Human Rights and Democracy

“We are saddened by reports that Tenzin Delek Rinpoche has died in detention in China” – a spokeswoman for Britain’s Foreign Office

“We are deeply saddened by the untimely death of Tulku Tenzin Delek Rinpoche. The Chinese government has repeatedly violated all universal human rights in Tibet” – the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile

“Rinpoche was a true Tibetan hero sacrificing his life for the people and cause of Tibet”, and demands “a clear detailed explanation on the circumstance leading to his demise from the Chinese Government” – The Tibetan Youth Congress

“Please take action now to protect Tibetan lives: 1. Call the Chinese authorities to return Tenzin Delek’s body 2. Call the Consulates of USA, Germany and France in Chengdu to monitor the situation and intervene to ensure the safety of the Tibetans peacefully protesting in front of the Chuandong Prison” – Students for a Free Tibet